Noun Actionless Definition and Examples

adjective

Without action; inactive, inert.

1.
the process or state of acting or of being active: The machine is not in action now.

2.
something done or performed; act; deed.

3.
an act that one consciously wills and that may be characterized by physical or mental activity: a crisis that demands action instead of debate; hoping for constructive action by the landlord.

4.
actions, habitual or usual acts; conduct: He is responsible for his actions.

5.
energetic activity: a man of action.

6.
an exertion of power or force: the action of wind upon a ship's sails.

7.
effect or influence: the action of morphine.

8.
Physiology. a change in organs, tissues, or cells leading to performance of a function, as in muscular contraction.

9.
way or manner of moving: the action of a machine or of a horse.
10.
the mechanism by which something is operated, as that of a gun or a piano.
1

1.
a military encounter or engagement; battle, skirmish, or the like.
1

2.
actual engagement in fighting an enemy; military or naval combat: He saw action in Vietnam.
1

3.
Literature. the main subject or story, as distinguished from an incidental episode.
1

4.
Theater.
an event or series of events that form part of a dramatic plot: the action of a scene.
one of the three unities.Compare unity (def 8).
1

5.
the gestures or deportment of an actor or speaker.
1

6.
Fine Arts. the appearance of animation, movement, or emotion given to figures by their attitude, position, or expression.
1

7.
Law.
a proceeding instituted by one party against another.
the right of bringing it.
1

8.
Slang.
interesting or exciting activity, often of an illicit nature: He gave us some tips on where the action was.
gambling or the excitement of gambling: The casino usually offers plenty of action.
money bet in gambling, especially illegally.
1

9.
Ecclesiastical.
a religious ceremony, especially a Eucharistic service.
the canon of the Mass.
those parts of a service of worship in which the congregation participates.
adjective
20.
characterized by brisk or dynamic action: an action car; an action melodrama.
Idioms
2

1.
in action,
performing or taking part in a characteristic act: The school baseball team is in action tonight.
working; functioning: His rescuing the child was bravery in action.
2

2.
out of action, removed from action, as by sudden disability: The star halfback is out of action with a bad knee.
2

3.
piece of the action, Informal. a share of the proceeds or profits: Cut me in for a piece of the action.
2

4.
take action,
to start doing something: As soon as we get his decision, we'll take action.
to start a legal procedure.

Origin:

action

Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Dudley North (1602–1677), politician and author. From action + -less.